Riding Boots and Chaps

English riding boots are essential gear for any riding discipline. Riding boots give equestrians a polished appearance, but the primary purpose of any riding boot is to aid in-saddle performance. Men’s riding boots, women’s riding boots and children’s riding boots come in two main types: paddock boots and tall boots. Tall boots is a category that contains both field boots and dressage boots. All riding boots have a small heel, typically about 1" high, to help prevent a rider’s feet from sliding through stirrup irons. Riding boots are offered in styles for three-season riding and in insulated, waterproof versions for protection and comfort in winter conditions.

The Ariat® Ladies' Heritage Contour Zip Field Boot-Tall height is traditionally-styled in full-grain leather with a contoured fit through the ankle for a flattering look. A full leather lining provides calf support for riding. A full-length, elasticized side panel and elastic gusset on the inside of the knee allow for a snug fit without binding.

For stable and stirrup, the Ariat® Barnyard Belle H20 Waterproof Boot is attractive and comfortable. Built on a generously sized last and styled with a roomy, round toe, this waterproof boot features a waterproof upper and membrane construction, and a moisture-wicking lining.

Make a style statement in this exclusive gray Parlanti Dallas Field Boot. Crafted of superior quality calfskin, it features a high Spanish topline for an elegant profile. Full elastic gusset along back zipper, compact round toe, enhanced heel support and a Vibram® premium sole.

This Middleburg™ Madison Boot is crafted by Bussola® with equestrian-inspired style. It’s fashionable and versatile for casual wear in soft and long-wearing leather. Features include a subtle elastic gusset, full-length zip, low heel and ankle strap detail with decorative buckle.

The Tredstep™ Suede Motion Half Chap offers superior stretch, fit and comfort. Perfect for all riders, it combines the durability of suede with the lightness and flexibility of neoprene. It’s shaped to flatter and hug the leg, and fitted with a mesh lining for increased airflow.

Designed in rugged British style to stand up to the equestrian environment, this Rockfish Ladies’ Matt Adjustable Wellington Boot keeps your feet dry. It’s made in England from waterproof 100% natural sustainable rubber in a formula that resists splits and cracks. Complete with foam insole, it’s a practical luxury.

This Tredstep™ Giotto II Front-Zip Paddock Boot offers comfort, durability and style in a mix of tumbled leather with a pebbled texture and smooth aniline calfskin. It's lined in Cambrelle® and made extra-comfortable with the TS3D insole for shock absorption and arch support.

The Medici Front Zip Paddock Boot in premium aniline calfskin leather boasts a specialized thermo-molded insole with 3D arch support and a shock-absorbing heel. Timeless and refined in style, it has a plush padded tongue that’s long enough to protect the shin from the top of the front zip.

The iconic country boot that everyone loves! This Dubarry Ladies' Galway Country Boot has the look, the comfort and the practicality to suit your equestrian lifestyle beautifully. Waterproof and breathable, it features Dubarry’s DryFast-DrySoft™ breathable leather, plus GORE-TEX® technology and a long-wearing duo compound PU and rubber sole.

Dublin® Adults’ Suede II Half Chaps are improved for performance, durability and comfort in daily riding. They feature heavy-duty YKK® zippers that close easily from the top down. An attractive half chap design with elegant topline and tapered cut.

Designed to fit and feel like a second skin, the elegant Parlanti Miami Tall Dress Boot takes ladies and men to the show ring with style. Exceptionally soft leather offers a great feel from day one with almost no uncomfortable break-in time. Due to the nature of the leather, this field boot is best suited for use in the show ring rather than daily wear.

The Arctic Adventure Ladies' Winter Boot from the Original Muck Boot Company delivers great warmth in a multi-functional design. This waterproof winter riding boot with neoprene and rubber construction has a lightweight EVA™ midsole for added comfort. It's lined with fleece and built with a 4mm CR flex-foam bootie. At home in the stable or saddle!

The Dublin® Easy-Care II Half Chap offers exceptionally easy care in washable, durable synthetic suede. Made with an elasticized calf for a great fit, a YKK® zipper and heavy-duty elastic foot strap, this is a great schooling chap for both women and men.

The Tredstep™ Spirit Lace-Front/Rear-Zip Paddock Boot features a TS3D insole for shock absorption and arch support. Styled to get you noticed, it also offers a super grip treaded outsole for stability and traction. Adjust tightness with the front lace, and enjoy easy on/off with the rear zipper.

The Ariat® Ladies' Grasmere Pro GTX Boot has an attractive side lace fit system with both elastic and cotton laces to allow a perfect adjustment. Waterproof full-grain leather and suede combined with GORE-TEX® membrane construction keep you dry, while a stirrup-friendly Duratread™ outsole provides comfort for walking and riding.

This Dubarry Ladies’ Clare Country Boot offers topnotch handcrafted quality, coverage and style. Beautifully suited to the equestrian lifestyle, it’s versatile and practical in the saddle, at the stable or running about town. DryFast–DrySoft™ leather is paired with a waterproof GORE-TEX® lining and fitted with a stirrup-friendly outsole.

This fashionable and highly functional Ariat® Ambleside Boot lets you feel at home in the saddle or in town. Made with a waterproof membrane and a waterproof full-grain leather and suede upper, it has a hidden elastic gusset at the inside top. It’s lined in jersey fabric, built with 4LR™ technology and fitted with a Duratread™ outsole.

Paddock boots, sometimes called jodhpur boots, can be made of full-grain leather, calfskin leather or manmade leather. Genuine leather paddock boots are traditional, breathable and soft once broken-in. Synthetic leather paddock boots are exceptionally easy-care and budget-friendly. Men’s riding boots, women and children rise to just above the ankle. They can secure with classic front laces for maximum adjustability, with a front zipper for quick on and off, or with a combination of lacings in front and a zipper in back to offer the advantages of both styles. Some jodhpur boots come in pull-on styles.

In English riding disciplines, riders over the age of 12 commonly pair paddock boots with leather, suede or synthetic half chaps to simulate the feeling and performance of a tall riding boot. Paddock boot and half chap combinations are particularly popular for schooling and hacking, but some riders prefer the comfort, grip and coverage of full chaps made of leather or suede. Children under the age of 12 usually wear paddock boots with jodhpurs, a riding pant with knee patches and cuffs that stretch down over the tops of the boots. The legs of these pants are secured underneath the young rider’s feet with elasticized straps that prevent riding up within the boot.

Within the tall riding boot category, riders choose according to their discipline. Field boots are the choice of hunters, equitation riders and jumpers; dressage boots offer the support required for those practicing dressage. Modern field and dressage boots are usually fitted with full-length zippers to allow easy on and off, but in dressage boots, traditional pull-on styles can still be found. Tall riding boots are most often made of genuine leather, but synthetic leather versions are available, too. Style features include contoured, Spanish-cut toplines to elongate the rider’s leg profiles, round or square toe shapes, toe caps, logo plaques and even touches of exotic or patent leather for added show ring flair.

Field boots are designed to soften and crease around a rider’s ankles to allow for a proper heels-down riding position. The amount of drop depends on the softness of the leather and the cut of the boot. A field boot made of super-soft calfskin leather will drop more than a boot made of full-grain leather. Lacings in the front of the ankle provide the flexibility for the rider to move the ankle and angle the foot; some cutting edge boots today are engineered with flexible panels in this area that eliminate the need for front lacings.

Dressage boots are made of stiffer, thicker leather than that used for field boots. They are not meant to drop or soften as much as field boots, as a dressage rider uses a longer leg position that requires support for subtle aids rather than the ability to push heels down. Most dressage boots also have a stiffener up the back to help prevent the boot from dropping or creasing at the ankle. Because of this stiffener, many dressage boot styles have zippers placed toward the front, rather than the back where it is most often seen in field boots.

To measure for tall riding boots, use a soft measuring tape. Wearing breeches and socks of the type you are most likely to wear with your boots, sit in a straight-backed chair. Your feet must be flat against the floor and your thighs and calves should create a 90 degree angle. Use the cloth measuring tape to find the circumference of your calf at its widest point; this is your boot width. To determine your boot height, measure from the floor at your heel to the back of your knee. For field boots, to accommodate for a drop, add 1 1/2" to 2" to your height measurement. For a moderately stiff dressage boot, add 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" to your height.

Dover Saddlery offers a large selection of quality paddock boots, field boots, dressage boots and chaps from leading brands in stock and custom choices. Find an array of riding boots for women, men and children. Shop for styles by Ariat®, Tredstep™, Mountain Horse®, Grand Prix®, Königs, Cavallo® and more. Regardless of the discipline you ride, or whether you are showing, schooling or working around the barn, you’ll find boots to suit your needs.